2012 bmw 6-series Model Overview

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3 of 5

The 2012 6 Series continues BMW’s legacy of big coupes and convertibles. Following in the tradition began by nameplates like the 2000CS, 3.0 CS, and of course, other 6 Series models before it, the 2012 640i and 2012 650i offer a unique mix of performance, style, and luxury. The new-for-2012 6 Series ushers in a new design for the model, and also introduces a twin-turbo V-8 powerplant in the 650i. The 6 Series features a long hood which flows into a sleek, curvy body. Compared to the previous generation, the look is cleaner, with fewer sharp edges and abrupt body lines.

New for 2012, the 6 Series brings updated styling and performance to the table. A twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 replaces the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8 in the 650i, producing 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. An upgraded version of BMW’s now-familiar turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 is also new to the 6 Series, producing 315 hp and 332 lb-ft in the 640i. The new model grows 1.3 inches in width and nearly 3 inches in length compared to the previous generation. Despite this increase in size, BMW engineers worked hard to keep weight down, using lightweight materials such as aluminum in the doors, hood, and suspension. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system makes its way to the 6 Series, and is now offered on 650i coupe and convertible models.

The frumpiness of the previous model is gone with this generation of 6 Series. With its long, sculpted hood and front end, the 2012 model recalls the “shark nose” look of the original model. Comparing this generation of 6 Series with the previous model, we said: “The trunk no longer juts awkwardly from the rear of the car, and the nose has a new sense of purpose, with its snorting, upright twin grilles and wide-mouthed lower intake. On the coupe, that trademark Hoffmeister kink is still intact, emboldened by a wider, shiny metal trim strip, and the package as a whole is longer by nearly 3 inches, lower by a bit under half an inch, and wider by an inch and a half.”

As with most other BMWs, the cabin of the 6 Series is driver-centric. The 640i gets Nappa leather-wrapped 10-way adjustable front seats, but the available Luxury Seating Package upgrades those to the 20-way adjustable units found standard in the 550i. Front and center is a 10.2-inch display screen, which can bring up navigation, real-time traffic, or the optional ConnectedDrive infotainment system through BMW’s love-it-or-hate-it iDrive interface knob. Available for the ConnectedDrive system is the BMW Apps feature, which can run specially-developed iOS-based apps like Facebook and Pandora directly through the infotainment system. A nine-speaker high-fidelity audio system comes standard, but a 16-speaker premium system from Bang & Olufsen is also available.

The twin-turbo-V-8-equipped 650i is a stellar performer both in coupe and convertible guise, and with either the six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic specified. Though the six-speed manual is arguably the more fun of the two transmissions, the eight-speed auto is actually a hair quicker, according to our tests. So smooth and quick were the gear changes of that transmission, that one of our editors believed it to be a twin-clutch unit rather than a traditional automatic. The car’s two available engines, including a turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 producing 315 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbo V-8 producing 400 hp and 450 lb-ft, both motivate the car with sufficient haste. Despite its relative heft, handling for the 6 Series is also noteworthy, and road-holding ability can only be enhanced by the addition of the optional xDrive all-wheel drive system.

The 6 Series gets dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags with passenger seat sensors as standard safety equipment, along with front seat-mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and an automatic crash response system. BMW’s Advanced Safety System controls deployment of airbags, and determines which features are called for in the event of a crash. BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system along with an ABS system is also standard. An available head-up display delivers information directly in the driver’s line of sight, helping to keep their attention on the road. A rear camera comes standard on all models, while the optional side and top view cameras are bundled with the Driver Assistance Package, along with Active Blind Spot Detection and the Lane Departure Warning System.

2012 BMW 6-Series Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$73,600

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$38,200

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

3. Dealer Selection

2012 BMW 6-Series News and Reviews

Will you be the first to guess WOT vehicle we've featured above? If you think you know, tell us in the comments section below.Last week, our Mystery Vehicle was the 2010 BMW 650i convertible, identified by ryandarr1979. Find out how the 2012 BMW 650i convertible compared against the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 and 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet right here.

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